Quokka

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Quokka Facts

• Firstly, the truly fabulous Quokka represents an extremely unique animal in the genus Setonix. Further, the remarkable creature sits alone in that genus. In addition, this beautiful small marsupial also remains quite renowned for its highly distinctive natural expression.
• Secondly, the IUCN presently lists the diminutive creature as Vulnerable, on its Red List of Threatened Species. The amazing creature also represented one of the first mammals to be seen by Europeans. That’s because that sighting and description occurred as early as 1658.
• Quite unfortunately, however, only a few scattered concentrations of Quokka seem to exist within its natural habitat range. It also remains undetermined if this animal once possessed a more extensive area of habitation. Presently, scientific research into this remains ongoing.
• Finally, this fantastic marsupial also possesses an extremely docile and outgoing demeanor. Unlike nearly all other wild animals, individuals of this species in the wild openly approach humans when encountered. Sadly, this sometimes works against the remarkable Quokka.

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Source: http://huff.to/1GKa6rz Photographer: Amanda DeCerce

Quokka Physical Description

Perhaps most notably, the incredible Quokka attains only a moderate physical size. That’s because the animal reaches a size roughly equal to that of many species of domestic feline. In fact, its body typically measures about 21 in (54 cm) in length.

Furthermore, the tail of this species grows comparatively short for a macropod. That’s due to the fact that it only averages about 12 in (30 cm) long. In addition, exceptional individuals weigh up to 11 lb (5 kg), though most average perhaps half of that.

Additionally, the overall build of the Quokka develops as relatively stocky in shape. The head also generally develops relatively broad. Added to this is the fact that the ears appear rounded in shape. Its fur also grows course and generally dark brown to light brown.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Diprotodontia
• Family: Macropodidae
• Genus: Setonix
• Species: S. brachyurus

Quokka Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Quite sadly for those who love Nature, the amazing Quokka currently only inhabits an extremely limited range of the world. That’s because the few small populations of the amazing animal known to still exist remain primarily confined to several small islands situated off the coast of Western Australia.

Yet, a few other small, isolated populations of the mammal do occur in other locations. However, only one colony is known to exist on the mainland of the continent. Also, this small population of the marvelous Quokka dwells within the confines of Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve.

Though fully capable of climbing trees, the animal prefers to inhabit areas of dense ground cover. This it uses for protection from predators. This remarkable animal remains primarily nocturnal by nature. It evolved as herbivorous in nature and feeds predominantly on endemic flower species.

Finally, it also faces other serious threats besides its limited habitat range. In point of fact, combined with the highly limited territorial range, the primary threat to its existence comes from introduced predator species. These non-native threats it now faces primarily include cats, dogs, and foxes.

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